We’re over halfway through This Is the New Testament, our thematic overview of the New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll finish our look at the Pauline Epistles and begin the General Epistles.
What Is James? Written by James, the brother of Jesus, this book instructs and admonishes readers to seek godly wisdom. It also counsels them to avoid internal conflicts within the Church and to express their faith through good works. James encourages believers to persevere in this calling in spite of trials, as God is faithful to mature His people in the midst of suffering.
How James Fits Into the Story: James continually calls for obedience to the law of God, showing believers that their obedience to God’s instruction is an indication of a living faith. Some choose to oversimplify the distinctions between the Old Testament and the New Testament by saying that the Old Testament is grounded in works and the New Testament is grounded in faith. James brings both testaments together to show that faith and works are integrally related in both the old and new covenants.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why does James say to be joyful during trials? Practically, how can you express joy in the middle of your current challenges?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
MERCY, love what you shared!!!
VICTORIA E., you definitely remain in my prayers and Tuesday we get another report!
ERB and MAURA, so sorry you have both had a rough week. Thank you for allowing us to grow in knowledge with your partnership in the study of Isaiah! What a blessing!
An overused cliché that I hear is “No one is perfect, we are only humans”….BUT (big but) in the Bible, it calls us to be perfect through Matthew 5:48: “Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect”. I wrestle with this for a long time. Why would you call us to be perfect Lord? Don’t you know we are humans? How on earth Lord? But think for a second, God would be so unjust to call us to do something that we can’t. But the fact that God says “be perfect my child” given the condition that His Spirit indwells in us, the Spirit of the Perfect One embodies me to fill me, His strength in my weakness – that makes it possible. And today, I found the resounding answer, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience, and let patience have her perfect work, that YOU MAY BE PERFECT and entire, wanting nothing” James 1:4 KJV. I sat and thought about it again and again, so this is how it’s done. How many times do I want to be perfect without paying the price ? There is needs for resistance to build strength. There is a price to maturity. It’s patience (long endurance) through fiery trials allowed by God’s training. May God give us endurance to face what may come. To God be all the glory. Be blessed sisters.
Happy Birthday, Cynthia!
I’m so thankful that whatever trials we face, we can have joy; since we know these trials are making us more mature. As a mom there are moments that are exhilarating and moments of exhaustion. I love being a mother, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I know I face trials in motherhood; loneliness , my own selfishness and frustration. I know that in every trial I face, God is making me into the person he wants me to be.
Happy Birthday Cynthia Johnson!! Prayers for health!❤️
I don’t think he means joy as in happy. But joy as in calm security. To not be frazzled, anxious, or freaking out over our circumstances but to endure the trials with face with a sort of serenity that can’t be explained other than the knowledge we belong to Christ and what we face in this world is nothing compared to the joy that awaits us.
Happy birthday Cynthia!I will turn 60 in November. Life moves fast.
DOROTHY – I did not realize you lost your son to drowning. I am so sorry that the flash flooding brings it all back to you. I pray for God to give you peace.
REBECCA – I understand what you are saying. I feel that I handle my son’s illness better by doing all that I can to help him through it. I will not have regrets allowing this hardship to flatten me. I am running the race by God’s grace alone.
KATHY – Thank you for your comments. They had me taking notes.
KATHY STILES – Thank you. Your comments spoke to me.
KELLY – I once told a pastor that James was my favorite book. He said but it is such a hard book. I love that James is direct. He doesn’t mince words. When I first started studying the Bible maybe I needed that. I don’t like having to read between the lines. lol
TINA – dearest Tina you are in my prayers. I’m so sorry for all the loss you have recently gone through. You are so special to all of us.
Tina, Angie, Taylor, ERB, praying for you in your trials. This command to rejoice in trials is difficult and can look different for different people I believe. When we had a miscarriage 4 months ago I did not rejoice. I was angry and devastated and scared. But God used it to bring me closer to Him, so in retrospect I rejoice that what the enemy meant for evil God has used for good. None of my trials have been suffering “because of Jesus”. We are fortunate here in America to enjoy religious freedom at least. But I am thankful that God uses whatever hardships we face to change us. If I can ask for continued prayer for myself and for the precious life God has given us, I have my eight week ultrasound this upcoming Tuesday. I have a lot more peace about it than I did before, and I pray God will continue to help me trust Him and continue to keep this precious one alive. Thank you so much.